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KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kansas City metro experienced the most growth of electric vehicle (EV)
adoption in the United States, for the second quarter in a row, and
widened the gap between other cities like Las Vegas, LA and Denver. With
a 78 percent growth from 2016 to 2017, the KC region has transformed
into a hot spot for electric vehicles.

According to 2017 first-quarter numbers released by IHS Automotive and
the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Kansas City tops the
nation in electric vehicle growth. Since deployment of the KCP&L Clean
Charge Network began in 2015, the metropolitan area has experienced a 95
percent increase in electric vehicle adoption. In addition, Kansas City
was awarded number one in driver and charging station growth by
ChargePoint, a manufacturer of EV charging stations, in 2016.

“The Clean Charge Network provided the necessary charging infrastructure
for drivers, but also made Kansas City the gold standard for electric
transportation,” said Chuck Caisley, KCP&L's vice president for
marketing and public affairs. "Kansas City has built a reputation as an
innovative and sustainable place to live, and we’re proud to contribute
to that success.”

The KCP&L Clean Charge Network is one of the nation’s largest electric
car charging networks and the first major network implemented by a
public utility. Nearly 95 percent of the planned 1,000 public charging
stations have been installed throughout the Kansas City metro area, with
more deployed every day. The network has offered free charging to EV
drivers since its debut.

Increasing Awareness and Overcoming Range Anxiety

A study from the National Academy of Sciences listed a lack of awareness
and range anxiety — or the fear of running out of charge — as typical
barriers to electric vehicle adoption. The KCP&L Clean Charge Network
has set out to overcome them.

“With the sheer number of charging stations — strategically located
where people live, work and play — KCP&L’s Clean Charge Network
eliminated range anxiety in the Kansas City region. The idea is to allow
people to charge their cars as they do their cell phones, plugging in as
they go about their daily lives,” said Caisley.

The Clean Charge Network is part of KCP&L’s vision for a more
sustainable future and enhanced energy innovation in the region, helping
to attract companies and talent. Increased adoption of electric cars
also has environmental benefits, reducing carbon emissions to help the
region attain EPA regional ozone standards.

About KCP&L

Headquartered in Kansas City, MO., Great Plains Energy Incorporated
(NYSE: GXP) is the holding company of Kansas City Power & Light Company
and KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company, two of the leading
regulated providers of electricity in the Midwest. Kansas City Power &
Light and KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations use KCP&L as a brand name.
More information about the companies is available on the internet at greatplainsenergy.com
or kcpl.com.

About the Clean Charge Network

The Kansas City region is one of the best places to drive electric. The
KCP&L Clean Charge Network makes it easy to charge up throughout the
metro. The 1,000+ public charging stations in the Clean Charge Network
is more than any other U.S. city per capita. Electric car owners have
the freedom to travel throughout the city with ease. Get to know
electric cars — and see how well an electric vehicle fits into your life
— at cleanchargenetwork.com.